Matt says Yes to debate on cannabis with Nandor in South Auckland

Progressive Party deputy leader, Matt Robson, says he is happy to accept a challenge issued by Green MP Nandor Tanczos today to participate in a public debate on the issue of cannabis and its effects on our society.

"I would like Nandor to be my guest in South Auckland.

"There I would like to outline the Progressive Party's rationale for its strong anti-drugs policy and why we oppose the Green Party's desire to decriminalize or legalize cannabis.

"The Progressive Party says an emphatic 'No!' to lifting the legal moratorium on cannasbis until it is proven safe," Matt Robson said.

The Progressives and the Greens are the two parties that will be campaigning openly at the next election to join in a coalition government with Labour.

The Progressive Party is the party inside the current coalition government that is keeping Labour's feet firmly on the ground on the issue of drugs and the Progressive Party wants to remain in the next coalition government after 2005 to protect against what the Greens would like to do to New Zealand," Matt Robson said.

Matt Robson said the Progressives' opposition to a soft drugs policy isn't based on an abstract moral principle.

The party's stance is based on a practical concern over the effects on teenagers and even young children from abusing alcohol, P, cannabis and tobacco. They are among the most vulnerable in our society and the Progressive Party wants to send a strong message to young people that abusing drugs isn't OK.

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